Christian rock pioneer's first holiday collection to benefit Children's HopeChest

The first solo Christmas release from Christian music pioneer and renowned vocalist Matthew Ward is slated to bow this month. Christmas With Matthew Ward features 11 classic selections, including "O Holy Night," "Angels We Have Heard On High," and "Carol Of The Bells," among others, as well as the original song "Glory To The King."

"Christmas music has always held a special place in my heart because it opened my eyes to the world of music in a whole new way," Ward says. "My earliest memory of Christmas music was walking down by the river with my sister as she taught me the counterpoint melody to 'Angels We Have Heard On High' It was my first real experience discovering how harmony works and also one of my fondest memories of Christmas music."

Christmas With Matthew Ward will be available through MatthewWard.com, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Children's HopeChest, an international ministry devoted to orphan care. Ward and his family have been deeply committed to the work of Children's HopeChest for more than 10 years.

Ward and two of his sisters comprised the seminal Christian group 2nd Chapter of Acts. The GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame members recorded 16 albums together over the course of nearly two decades and made popular such signature titles as "Easter Song" and "Mansion Builder," among others.

Ward has recorded eight previous solo albums and continues to perform concerts across USA, as well as internationally. His autobiography, My 2nd Chapter: The Matthew Ward Story, released earlier this year from WaterBrook Press.

Founded in 1994 by George Steiner, Children’s HopeChest aids orphans in Russia, Ukraine, Swaziland and South Africa. An international leader in orphan care, the organization responds to God's desire to create a world where every orphan knows Him, experiences the blessing of family, and acquires the skills necessary for independent life.